Record Systems
Tryphena Addleman
Whether you are the
manager for a small two-horse farm or for a large 100-horse farm, keeping
records should be a very important aspect of your job. A horse farm manager needs to keep
accurate records on  everything at the farm so he or she can stay on top
of the business history and future needs.
There are many different systems that a farm manager could use to help
keep accurate records. Some managers
like to keep a file of hand written documents, some like to use the systems
available for computers, and some like to use a combination of the two.
Record Systems at Penn
State:
Penn State
uses a combination of record systems to keep track of the work done to all of
its horses. These systems include handwritten
documents, Microsoft Excel®, and HorseWorks®.
HorseWorks Pro® is a
computer system designed for all levels of computer users. Penn
State uses it to keep
individual records on pedigree and production for each horse on the farm.
The computer program
Microsoft Excel® has helped the farm combine paper and computer records to be
able to access all information in one location. It is the main location to access individual horse health and
production information and routine preventive care. It also provides a link to all University required records and
outside source records such as laboratory test results.
Penn State
keeps a handwritten file on every horse at the farm as a backup to computer
records. These handwritten files
include mainly records on veterinary care, breeding, and foaling. The university requires the farm to turn
in an Animal Examination and Treatment Record every time one of the horses
receives a non-routine medical or surgical treatment. The record is very similar to what a horse
owner might receive from their veterinarian after a horse is examined.
Combining record systems
works for Penn Sate because each program is used to make up for the
shortcomings of the other for a reasonable cost. Penn State
could benefit by having all information in a single program as people at many
different levels of oversight and care may need to access information, a
concern unique to Penn
State compared to most
private horse farms. Any farm that
uses computer software for its records should have multiple backups including
a paper back up and a computer file backup.
Activities that need
to be recorded:
When a farm manager is
looking for a records system for their farm they need to think about what
they are going to be using it for and how much they are willing to
spend. There are many different
systems available on the market with a wide range of prices and
capabilities. A farm manager should
evaluate each system carefully before deciding on the system or combination
of systems to use.
- Veterinary Records- Vaccines,
Deworming,Treatments
- Farrier Work- Trimmings, Shoeing
- Breeding Records- Breeding activity, Stallion
and Mare reports
- Finances- Money spent on the horse farm and
money received from horse sales, shows, and breeding
- Management- Labor, Feed, Veterinary, and
Farrier costs
- Individual Horse Reports- Pedigree, Winnings,
Offspring
Equine Management
Software:
- Stable Pro®
- HorseWorks®
- Horse Care Manager®
- Microsoft Excel®
- HorseTrak®
- There are others available on the market.
|
|
The
content of this web page was produced by students in our Advanced Horse
Production and Management (AnSc 407, 2004) course at Penn State. This page is
not a product of the Equine Science Team. As such, it is intended for
educational and entertainment purposes only. For recommendations specific to
your farm or horse you should consult your equine veterinarian, local horse
professional or County Extension Agent.
Where
trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn
State's College
of Agricultural Sciences
is implied. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of
Congress May 8 and June
30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture
and the Pennsylvania Legislature. T. R. Alter, Director of Cooperative
Extension, The Pennsylvania
State University.
This
publication is available in alternative media on request.
The Pennsylvania
State University
encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs
and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have
questions about the physical access provided, please contact Michael
O'Connor, 814-863-3913 in advance of your participation or
visit.
The Pennsylvania
State University
is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to
programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal
characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as
determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania
State University
does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color,
disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual
orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University,
201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801; tel. (814) 863-4700/V,
TDD (814) 865-1150/TTY.
|
